Essex

Amazing Corn Mazes at Family-Friendly New Jersey Farms

Submitted by Laurie Rein on Thu, 09/05/2019 - 1:00pm

Get ready… get set… get lost in an amazing New Jersey corn maze! The Garden State is home to oodles of spectacular corn mazes, ranging from massive 10-acre labyrinths to simpler, child-friendly courses, including hay bale mazes just right for toddlers and preschoolers. Games, clues, and even techie bonuses enhance many of the more elaborate maze experiences. Got a tween or teen? Check out haunted corn mazes that are open after hours for a spooky, nighttime adventure.

Many of the 16 corn mazes we've rounded up are day trip–worthy on their own, but you'll also likely find apple and pumpkin picking options, hayrides, and even fall festivals, plus petting zoos in some instances. So get out your fall to-do list, and navigate your way through one of these great New Jersey corn mazes. Check out our Fall Fun Guide for NJ Kids to find even more ways to enjoy the crisp autumn days.

Best STEM Classes for New Jersey Kids

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Thu, 08/29/2019 - 9:00am

Is your child interested in exploring the "hows," "whys," and "what-ifs" of the world around them? STEM classes can be a wonderful way to foster their curiosity and help them think critically and creatively. We've rounded up 14 STEM enrichment programs in New Jersey that offer instruction in coding, robotics, architecture, engineering, chess, and more.

For more kids' classes, be sure to check out our Guide to Classes and Enrichment Programs for NJ Kids.

Easy Waterfall Hikes for Families in Northern NJ

Submitted by Kaylynn Chiarel... on Fri, 08/16/2019 - 2:00pm

There's a lot more to East Coast waterfalls than the iconic Niagara Falls in Upstate New York. New Jersey has plenty of beautiful waterfalls—many of them accessible via an easy hike or walk. From the roaring Paterson Great Falls—the second-most-powerful waterfall east of the Mississippi—to the charming Hemlock Falls in the South Mountain Reservation, we've rounded up a handful of waterfall hikes in northern NJ that you can tackle with even the littlest trekkers.

Waterfall hikes are great for goal-oriented kids and anyone who needs a reminder that sometimes the best adventures are in our own backyards. Read on for our picks.

Kip's Castle Park in Verona, NJ: A Day Trip Fit for Royalty

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Mon, 08/05/2019 - 2:00pm

Did you know there's an actual castle located in the heart of Essex County? Despite its location just off busy Bloomfield Avenue and Route 23, Kip's Castle Park is one of the best-kept secrets in the area. So secret, in fact, that I hadn't even heard of this hidden gem until recently, and I've lived in the area my whole life!

Since my 6-year-old daughter already fancies herself a princess, I figured a trip to this New Jersey park would be right up her alley. Sure enough, she happily explored the castle and pranced around the gorgeous green grounds, even without slides and swings. But playground action isn't far—we decided to pair our visit to Kip's Castle with a stop at nearby Verona Park, for the perfect double-header day trip.

Find even more warm-weather adventures in our Summer Fun Guide, plus check out these other super-cool summer day trips.

Where To Rent Paddleboats and Rowboats in New Jersey

Submitted by Jaime Wisz on Wed, 07/10/2019 - 1:00pm

Looking for a great summer outing that’ll float the family’s boat? A ride in a paddleboat (sometimes called a pedal boat) or rowboat offers panoramic views of New Jersey's scenic parks and lakes, and an opportunity for family time that may actually be peaceful.

Paddleboat rentals are available throughout the state. Check the specific paddling locations for any age or weight restrictions, then sit back and enjoy the ride. (And don't forget the sunscreen!)

Feeling more adventurous? Find the best places for tubing and rafting in and around NJ.

The Best NJ Zoos and Aquariums for Animal Encounters with Kids

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Wed, 07/03/2019 - 12:00pm

Treat your kids to a real animal adventure at one of New Jersey's amazing zoos, aquariums, and animal preserves. At these day trip–worthy spots, little animal lovers can meet their favorite furry friend, check out exotic wildlife from other continents, or swim with the sharks (yes, really!). We've rounded up the best places in the Garden State for New Jersey kids to have an up-close-and-personal encounter with animals of every kind.

15 Awesome Water Parks for New Jersey Kids and Families

Submitted by Margaret Hargrove on Sun, 05/19/2019 - 9:00am

New Jersey has several fantastic water parks, some of them right on the beach! From big-name parks and boardwalk favorites to the state's first municipal water park, we've rounded up 15 of New Jersey’s best water parks and an overview of what to expect from each one. We've even included a couple of fantastic indoor water parks to keep kids splashing on rainy days.

If you're looking for water fun on a slightly cheaper scale, check out our Best Water Playgrounds and Splash Pads roundup. For more summer awesomeness, visit our New Jersey Kids Summer Activities Guide and our NJ Theme Parks Guide.

Family-Friendly Mother's Day Brunch Spots in Northern NJ

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Fri, 04/26/2019 - 12:00pm

Celebrate Mother's Day in style this year with an indulgent family brunch prepared by someone other than mom. Restaurants throughout Northern New Jersey are cooking up some fabulous luncheons full of breakfast delights, salads, carving stations, and desserts. Some of these eateries offer discounts for children, and others are FREE for young kids. Holiday brunches book up quickly though, and many require reservations.

If you're down the shore, explore these wonderful Mother's Day options.

Must-See Cherry Blossoms in New Jersey's Branch Brook Park

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Thu, 03/21/2019 - 12:00pm

You don't have to travel to Washington, D.C., to see a stunning display of cherry blossoms this spring. You can enjoy the lush pink blooms right here in New Jersey this month at the 2019 Essex County Cherry Blossom Festival, held in Newark's Branch Brook Park from Saturday, April 6 – Sunday, April 14.

The event features two festivals-within-the-festival—Essex County Family Day and Bloomfest !—both of which offer plenty of family fun, including performances, bounce houses, a nearby playground, live music, and Japanese cultural demonstrations. It all takes place under the fragrant canopy of the sprawling park's 5,000 cherry blossom trees—the largest collection in the country.

Read on for an overview of Branch Brook Park and the festival, along with tips for visiting with kids.

25 Fun Things To Do with Kids in Millburn, New Jersey

Submitted by Dore Duhaime on Sun, 02/10/2019 - 10:00am

Millburn may be known for top-notch schools and swanky shopping at its Short Hills mall, but look a little closer and you'll find a vibrant town packed with family fun.

The heart of downtown, where Main Street and Millburn Avenue meet, is dotted with shops and restaurants and is home to the town's annual street festival. Kid-friendly activities in Millburn range from swimming and theater classes to storytimes and live performances. Creative play spaces, charming cafes, gardens, and parks round out the fun.

Located less than 20 miles from New York City in Northern NJ, Millburn is a great bet for an easy day trip any time of year. Spend some time exploring all the arts, recreation, food, and fresh-air fun that Millburn has to offer.